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Post WWII Society. Goal 10 . Returning Home. GI Bill of Rights Up to 1 year of unemployment benefits Paid college education Housing shortages William Levitt begins suburban mass produced homes (Levittown) Mass produced suburbs popup all over US Baby Boom
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Post WWII Society Goal 10
Returning Home • GI Bill of Rights • Up to 1 year of unemployment benefits • Paid college education • Housing shortages • William Levitt begins suburban mass produced homes (Levittown) • Mass produced suburbs popup all over US • Baby Boom • US population dramatically increases • Economic Boom • After slight dip, economy booms • GNP doubles by 1960 (US Market Economy) • US gains nickname “Affluent Society”
Truman’s Presidency • Early in office had trouble w/ unions • Threatens to draft striking workers • Truman supports equal rights for African Americans • No cooperation from Congress • Passes executive order integrating military • Close election in 1948 • Truman runs on an anti-Congress platform • Wins by slightest of margins (“Dewey Defeats Truman”) • Becomes unpopular due to Korean War • Does not run for re-election in 1952 • Dwight D. Eisenhower easily wins 1952 election • Nixon was VP candidate • “Checkers speech”
Society Changes • New technologies (TVs, computers, nuclear power plants, etc.) • Jobs shift more towards white collar • Emphasis on social conformity • Franchising becomes popular (ex – McDonalds) • Automotive society • More people live in suburbs; drive to work • Interstate Highway Act (1956) 41,000 miles of roads created • Consumerism • Manufacturers begin planned obsolescence (US becomes known as throwaway society) • Increased spending on credit • Americans bought cars, gadgets for their homes, vacations, etc. in unprecedented numbers
Values and Beliefs • Renewed emphasis on religion • Billy Graham begins crusades • Congress addresses “godless communism” • Adds “under God” to Pledge of Allegiance (1954) • Adds “in God we trust” to all US currency (1955) • Conformity a major issue (don’t want to be viewed as a possible communist) • Some begin to rebel • Beatniks – group known for anti conformity • 1st hippies • Open drug use & sexuality • Jack Kerouac - leader
Values continued • Cult of Domesticity re-emerges • A few advocated that science supported the idea that women could only find fulfillment as a homemaker. • The concept of a woman’s place being in the home was widespread in magazines, TV, and society in general. • TV shows: Father Knows Best, Ozzie & Harriet, Leave it to Beaver,